"Knowing that replacing a player of his potential and ability
would be complicated, the Lens president Gervais Martel will
continue to think over the matter."

Liverpool spokesman Ian Cotton had said: "We can confirm that African Footballer of the Year El Hadji Diouf has now signed a five-year deal with Liverpool, which is wonderful news for everyone at the club.

"The Senegal striker will join up with his new team-mates when the squad report back for pre-season training in July."

Liverpool have already agreed terms with French side Sedan to sign Diouf's Senegalese team-mate Salif Diao.